By An Irishman who first entered the United States in 2009 is being held in an immigration detention centre in Texas. The case has raised concern among Irish officials and his family.
Seamus Culleton, from County Kilkenny, entered the United States under the visa waiver programme, which allows visitors to stay for 90 days. He remained in the country after that period expired.
Over time, Culleton built a life in the United States. He lived in the Boston area for more than 15 years, started a construction business, and married a U.S. citizen. In 2025, he began applying for permanent residency and received a temporary work permit connected to that process.
He was later arrested during an immigration enforcement action in Massachusetts. Authorities transferred him to a detention centre in El Paso, Texas, where he has remained for several months.
Detention and legal dispute
Culleton says he has no criminal record and believed his immigration paperwork was being handled correctly. While detained, he missed a final interview connected to his green-card application.
A judge reportedly approved his release on bond at one point, but he remained in custody. His legal team says there may be mistakes in immigration records and disputes claims that he agreed to deportation.
From detention, Culleton has described difficult living conditions and said he fears for his safety.
Irish government response
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed it is providing consular support. Officials say a small number of Irish citizens are currently being held in U.S. immigration detention centres.
Irish political leaders have said they are monitoring the situation and remain in contact with U.S. authorities. The case may be discussed in future diplomatic meetings.
Background context
Visa overstays are one of the most common immigration issues in the United States. People who enter legally but stay after permission expires can face detention or removal proceedings, even if they later apply for residency.
In this case, the original visa waiver entry in 2009 and the long period without permanent status appear to be central to the ongoing legal process.
Immigration enforcement activity in the United States has received increased public attention in recent months, with several detention cases involving foreign nationals reported in international media.
Suggested authoritative sources
- The Guardian
- The Irish Times
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Ireland Department of Foreign Affairs
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
